You are looking for a job. Analyse your interests and abilities. Answer the following questions.

Here are ten basic questions to think about:

1. What are my abilities?

2. What special talents do I have?

3. What are my special interests?

4. What are my physical abilities and limitations?

5. What are my attitudes and values?

6. How do I see myself, or what is my self-concept?

7. What is my previous experience?

8. What are my educational plans for the future?

9. Am I the kind of person who works well in a large group, or do I work better with only one or two people?

10. Am I willing to accept change?

Interview a partner using the following questions.

1. Do you enjoy writing letters?

2. What other things do you enjoy doing?

3. Do you like reading mysteries?

4. What other things do you like doing?

5. Do you like to speak in front of people?

6. What other things do you like to do?

4. Listen to a conversation with Les. Does he like or dislike his job? Why? (audio file)

5. When applying for a job you should always send a covering letter with your CV.

Listen to a lecturer giving advice about writing CVs and complete the information below. Is the advice true for your country? (audio file)

Professional Practice: Writing a CV (curriculum vitae)

ACE – the CV checklist

Appearance

· Is it no more than … … of A4 paper?

· Do you … yourself by including all your … experience?

Clarity

· Do your personal details appear … … … of the page?

· Are your qualifications and jobs in … chronological order?

· Are the … and grammar correct?

Emphasis

· Does it show your … … both in and out of work?

· Does it give a good first impression of you?

The people who get … are the ones who write the … CVs!

6. Look at the CV below. How could Clara improve her CV?

Curriculum Vitae Carla Hennessy

Education and Qualificationss

1998 - GNVQ Leisure and Tourism Diploma, Acton Tertiary College, London. 1996-4 GCSEs: english, french, maths and biology, Acton Comprehensive School.

Employment history

1996 to 1998 - shoe shop assistant (Saturdays only), Beta Shoes, Ealing, London.

1999 to present date - cocktail waitress, Magpie Hotel, Ealing, London. 1998 - aerobics instructor, Acton Vale Youth Club, London.

Additionl Information

I am a member of an amateur theatre group. I have quite good computing skills.

Personal Detials

Address: 131 Nelson Court, London W6, England.

Date of Birth: 13/3/1982

Telephone number: (0044) 020 7946 0006

Email: clhennessy@mhp.uk

7. How to write a curriculum vitae (CV)?

1). Use wide margins and leave lots of white space. It makes your CV easier to read.

2). Use a clear, easy-to-read typeface. Don’t use italics or a small type size. Be consistent with the typefaces you use.

3). Make the section headings clear and leave a clear space between sections.

4). Separate each part of your work experience and education clearly.

5). Don’t assume the reader will know what some abbreviations and acronyms mean. If in doubt, use the full name.

6). Don’t exaggerate your talents but don’t underestimate them either. Remember to sell yourself by using positive adjectives.

7). Watch out for grammar or spelling mistakes. Do a spell or grammar check on your computer when you finish your CV and ask someone else to check it for you.

8). This is Carla Hennessy’s improved CV. What has she changed? Is she sure to get the job now?

What first impression does she make?

Curriculum Vitae

Carla Hennessy

Personal details

131 Nelson Court, London W 16, UK

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7946 0002

Email: clhennessy@ mhp.uk

Date of birth: 13/3/1982

Place of birth: Hammersmith, London

Nationality: British

Objective

To obtain a full-time position as waiter on a cruise liner that offers experience in a high standard of customer care.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 2065